MANILA — On Thursday, the Kalabingkoho River in Barangay Malanday, Valenzuela City, saw a “Bayanihan sa Estero” cleanup effort by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
By clearing silt and trash from streams, the project seeks to reduce flooding.
A two-kilometer section of two cities—Valenzuela in Metro Manila and Meycauayan in Bulacan—were cleaned up.
According to Wes Gatchalian, mayor of Valenzuela City, the river is essential for preventing flooding in the region.
Gatchalian said, “Pag tumaas ang tubig dito, madalas babara ito. Ang tubig napupunta sa McArthur at ang effect po nun ay ang boundary ng Valenzuela at ng Meycauayan,”
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the city consistently carries out Oplan Linis-Ganda, according to Gatchalian.
In order to guarantee appropriate waste management, he also stated that materials recovery facilities (MRFs) have to be completely operational.
According to Nicolas Torre III, general manager of MMDA, the organization’s goal is to rehabilitate 25 major esteros by 2026.
Torre said, “Gusto sana namin matapos ‘yan ng before tag-ulan para bago magsimula ang challenges ay ready na ang mga estero natin”
The cleanup drive was conducted in close coordination with the Valenzuela City local government unit (LGU) and barangay officials. Community volunteers also joined the efforts, raising awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal to prevent clogging of waterways.
Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian expressed gratitude for the MMDA’s support and emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining clean and safe drainage systems year-round.
This cleanup is part of the MMDA’s broader “Save Our Rivers” campaign aimed at improving Metro Manila’s drainage capacity ahead of the rainy season. The agency has scheduled similar operations in other flood-prone areas, including Malabon, Marikina, and Quezon City.
Officials remind residents to cooperate by properly segregating and disposing of waste, especially during heavy rainfall periods, to avoid exacerbating flooding conditions.
